Vacation coming to an end....../sad

It has been a great two weeks of vacation.  I got everything accomplished that I set out to do and I am very happy about that.  Prior to going to visit family in Missouri I had wanted to get the carpets downstairs steam cleaned and that is all done.

From 5/29/11 to 6/4/11 I went out to visit my Grandparents in Missouri.  I also got to see my Aunt Jamie and Cousin Lauren.  My whole family was there, Mom, Dad, Sister, Bro in law, and niece River.  Having Nancy and Larry there was nice because they love to play card games and it was fun learning new games and spending time with them.  I got to do some shopping  (Legends Outlets and some other small shops in Lee Summit, MO), go to Jurassic Gardens at Powell Gardens and also spend a day at the very nice Belton Community Center with Pif and work out.  I didn't get a chance to see her a second time, that made me sad, but I am sure we will meet up again. The gym she goes to is clean, new, amazing, and yeah, let me just say if we had that gym here I would be there ALL the time.  LOVED it.  I did not get to a Zumba class these past two weeks and I am missing that.  I did some Zumba at home this morning and I am so out of shape for it.  I am hoping though that it takes no time at all to get back into the routine.  I did gain 2.8 pds (weighing 175.8) while I was away on vacation, but as of this morning I am back to my pre- vacation weight of (weighing 173).  My first goal that I set for myself is at 170pds...ALMOST there...next goal will be 150pds.

Here are some pictures from vacation:

 Walking up the T-Rex Restaurant at the Legends Outlet

My Sister Nancy, niece River, and Brother in Law Larry outside the T-Rex.

 River and I outside T-Rex

T-Rex!  My niece absolutely LOVED this place.  She is really into Dinosaurs.

Standing in front of the Water Fountain at the Legends

My Cousin Lauren (left) and me (on the right) at Powell Gardens

Dinosaur fun at Powell Gardens...me

Nancy (my sister) having some Dino fun at Powell Gardens

 My niece River saying...Raaaawwwwrr!

My Cousin Lauren (left) and Aunt Jamie (right) at Powell Gardens

 Nancy, River, Larry at Powell Gardens

 Me at Powell Gardens

Me, Dad, Mom, and Lauren at Powell Gardens.

Beautiful Waterfall

Shopping at the Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar place.  I got four bottles of stuff from here.  Tuscan Herb Olive Oil, Cranberry Pear Olive Oil, Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar, and Basil Balsamic Vinegar.  Last night I used the Tuscan Herb with Grilled chicken and all I can say is YUM!

Had to stop here, have seen them on Food Network and yeah, no other place matched their cupcakes...there were SO moist and the best I have EVER had.

So many flavors to choose from! Yummmmy

Statues at Powell Gardens 

River starting the Jurassic Journey! 

Some pretty Flowers at Powell Gardens 

Pretty flower  (Powell Gardens) 

The sales lady that helped me at the store with sampling.

Store shot

Bottles they fill once you decide what you want after sampling 

EVOO and Vinegar store. This store was awesome and unique.  I would have to say I enjoyed it and I am glad it's not near by to my house, however, they do ship!  Just saying I would be in trouble $ wise if it was close by, ha ha ha.

A picture of my Grandmother and me on the day I left.  I got teary eyed and cried before leaving her that morning.  I love her and hope she starts feeling better soon.  

That was pretty much my first week of vacation.  The second week here at home was VERY productive.  I didn't do much on Sunday or Monday when I came home, but on Tuesday and Wednesday we got both rooms upstairs that needed work done.  The front bedroom is now painted and almost complete.  We go on Sunday to pick up the futon for the front computer/study room.  This picture is similar to the one we are getting however just the base legs in this picture are different then the one we will have but the top style and color is the same and it's material not leather.  Just wanted to share the style with you.  Getting it for a great price from someone who is moving. 



Also, one of my best friends Kim shared this with me at Pier One and Marty and I like it and will check it out this weekend to add as the piece above the futon. 






Now to share with you all the work we have done upstairs:

This is the new paint color in our computer room/guest room.  The futon will be going along this wall and a new smaller endtable. The green chair will be going.

View as you come into the room

Bookshelf wall

Upstairs Bathroom complete: new wall color, new shower curtain, and new decor 

View as you come in from our Master Bedroom

View looking out into Hallway 

New Bathroom clock 

New Bathmats








Again, it's been a great two weeks, I am now looking forward to just relaxing and enjoying the summer with all of the major projects done that I wanted to accomplish.  We still have some little projects, such as we are going to change out the mirrors in the bathrooms and have already found what we wanted at Walmart from Better Homes and Gardens collection just need to go get them. Also we are going to save money to replace the vanity tops and faucets in each sink upstairs along with adding tile backsplash between the mirrors and the vanity's and then the bathrooms will be complete.

That's all for now....till another time!

Vacation and other things on my mind

Today was a down day.  It was a little rough this morning watching Marty drive away to go visit his family/friends in NC.  I have to say, I am better tonight after calls from him most of the day checking in, telling me how much he loves me, and just to see what I have been up to today.



  This is our first time being apart since we moved in together in 2009. (The picture to the left was us this past Christmas 2010). It was rough, but we both will be home in a week.  He is the one for me, always and forever.  I can't wait till I can see him again! He will be picking me up from the airport on Saturday night and I have to say I will be sooo anxious to get off that plane and to see him!!

Tomorrow my Mom, Dad and I fly out to Kansas City, MO.  My aunt will be getting us and then we will reconnect with my Grandparents, my sister, bro in law, and my niece.  I believe I get to see my cousins as well that week.  It's been about 3 years I think since I have seen anyone from out there.  It's going to be a mini family reunion for the week.  Apparently I have been told it's jam packed with stuff to do.  I am also hoping I can keep up with my exercise and get to the gym at least 2-3x that week.  We will see what happens, but then again it is vacation and I will be walking around alot and trying to make sure I choose healthy options, but if I can't I won't be hard on myself, I am just going to give it my all when I come back home and back into a routine.

All I can say is that as of Friday morning I am officially down 16 pds...wow...good way to start vacation I guess...lol

I am hoping that everyone has a safe, fun, happy Memorial Day weekend! Whether you are just home relaxing, down at the shore, or grilling out with friends/family.   I was watching a news program the other night and I have to say I was surprised when they said that most of the younger generation are not appreciate of Memorial Day and why we celebrate it.  I am lucky that I grew up with a father who served in the Air Force and Marty  who served in the Army.  I never take a moment of either of them for granted and I am very honored and moved by their dedication and commitment while they were both enlisted.  Marty had several tours in Iraq from what he told me about and what he had to go through. I thank God every day that he is safe, alive, and well.  I also got to hear stories of him going overseas from his Mom when I met her back in Dec and from her point of view how she was constantly worried for and about him.  So if you don't think your kids realize what someone who serves for this country does, make sure they are educated on what the military does for us each and EVERY day so that we can live our lives in freedom. A small video below to share:

I can't wait to come back and Marty and I are going to go to the beach for a day to relax....SOOO looking forward to that!







That's all for now...leaving you with our song  (Marty and I's)....I smile when I hear this song.

Till next time...

It's been a while

My Journey to getting Toned, Healthy, and Trim
So, it has been quite a while since I have had some time to sit down and write an updated blog.  Alot has changed for the better in the last 3 months since I started my journey.  I have gone done 2 dress sizes and now wearing a size 14 again.  I haven't been a size 14 in 5 years!!!!


That is an amazing accomplishment for me.  I am also down 14 pds (started at 189 and as of this past Friday I am now at 175).  My final goal is to get to 150.  THEN, maybe another 5, then just maintain.  Again, without www.loseit.com and all my friends online, Marty, friends/family support, I wouldn't have gotten this far.  I am just VERY happy with myself and what I can accomplish when I put my mind to it.

I also have been measuring myself and I have to measure myself again next week (this coming Friday) but here are the numbers as they are from last week:

Chest - on 4/3/11 was 35 as of today 5/13/11 is 34.50 (loss of .50)
Hips- as of 4/3/11 was 47, as of today 5/13/11 is 44 (3 inches lost...LOVE this and very proud of it!)
Lower arm- as of 4/3/11 was 9, as of today 5/13/11 is 8.375 (loss of .625)
Upper Thigh- as of 4/3/11 was 25.50, as of today 5/13/11 is 25 (.50 loss)
Neck - as of 4/3/11 was 14, as of today 5/13/11 is 13.50 (loss of .50)
Upper Chest- as of 4/3/11 was 37, as of today 5/13/11 is 35 (loss of 2 in)
Upper Arm - as of 4/3/11 was 12.55, as of today 5/13/11 is 12.25 (.30 loss)
Lower Leg- as of 4/3/11 was 15.50, as of today 5/13/11 is 14.375 (loss of 1.125)
Abs - as of 5/1/11 (when I started tracking this) was 35.75, as of today 5/13/11 is 34.50 (loss of 1.25!- like this since my abs always bother me!)

So there you have it, that is my weight loss/measurement update.

I just wanted to show a before (on left) and after (on right) pic, this amazes me:

I have slimmed and toned up so much.  People are now starting to notice and pictures don't lie.

Vacation!!!

I am excited that this upcoming week I have 4 days of work and my 2 weeks vacation starts on Friday the 27th!!   Oh, how I wish I could take my cats with me.  I will miss them so that picture is appropriate.  I will be heading out to the Grandparents/Aunts location in the Missouri/Kansas City Area.  Looking forward to the time away, seeing family, friends, and just relaxing with NO work. Parents (Mom/Dad), Sister, Brother-in-law, and Niece will also be there.

The following week after I return I have some painting/creative things to do upstairs.  I want to get the front bedroom primed/painted.  Finally found the wall color I want so it's going to get done on a day Marty has off and I am home too.  We also found new mirrors for our sink vanities in the bathrooms and will be getting those and also prime/painting the upstairs bathroom, putting up new towel rack, shelves, shower curtain, and paintings.  All has been purchased, just need to get it done.  No excuses. I have all week to do it.  I REALLY want to get those rooms done.  I don't like to do all the prep work etc...but it HAS to get done...so if anyone is free and wants to come help, PLEASE do so :)

Well I have one more thing I need to get done today that I can cross off my to-do list, which is to finish steam cleaning the carpets downstairs.  I got the dining room area and front entranceway done yesterday and now I need to do the small area of our living room that steps down.  So off I go.

Till next time!

Great Day- Listening to Music

As I sit here, I am unwinding and listening to music after a long, busy, fun, Easter day. The house is quiet minus me and my headphones on my head listening to music so I don't wake Marty sleeping in the other room.  Music soothes and  calms me.  I am sitting here listening to one of my favorite songs from Paramore.  I really enjoyed seeing them in concert last summer and looking forward to when they tour again. I disregard all the rumors about the Farro brothers leaving and what was said negatively about the lead singer Hayley and I honestly just enjoy the music and I love her voice...period.  I am anxious to hear the new material with Hayley, Taylor, and Jeremy and see how things/sound will change.  But I am sitting here listening to an oldie but goodie and this band will always be one of my favorites.

Two shots from last years show at the Delaware State Fair 2010.

Hope all my friends/family had a great holiday weekend and yay Spring is finally here.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous today...around 80 degrees and it was nice to be able to finally wear my dress and for Easter!

Goodnight all....till another entry.

Happy Easter Weekend

As I sit here writing this tonight and still have to go to work on Good Friday, I hope all my friends and family have a fun and safe holiday weekend.

I am looking forward to a great weekend with family and getting to eat some good food on Sunday all thanks to my sister for her cooking...also first official holiday feast since I didn't have to be Gluten Free anymore.  That is such a relief!  I can enjoy the meal and others do not have to worry about what I can and can't eat.  I was told last month I didn't have to eat that way anymore from my GI doctor because we were testing a theory however, that failed so back to normal eating...yay! I am also excited to see family kids...maybe twins girls that are granddaughters of a close family friend and I get to definitely see my niece...that's always a blast and she just turned 4.  We are celebrating her birthday when we get together this weekend.

Well till another time......